Written Answers Nos. 896-915
897. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which cancer patients awaiting treatment are able to receive treatment as and when required; the extent of any waiting lists in this category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51265/21]
View answerThe National Action Plan on Covid-19 identified the continued provision of cancer care as a priority. Cancer services continue to operate in line with guidance issued by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), including in relation to physical distancing and infection control measures.
The NCCP is continuing to closely monitor trends in numbers coming forward to diagnostic services, and the level of attendances for appointments for treatment.
- from January–September this year, GP e-referrals are at 126% of 2019 (pre-Covid) activity; and
- attendances at Rapid Access Clinics from January–August 2021 (32,818) are at 97% of 2019 levels (33,935).
With regard to cancer treatment, latest available figures indicate that:
- the number of patients receiving medical oncology treatment from January–July this year stands at 88% of the comparable 2019 figure;
- radiation oncology from January–July is at 77% of the 2019 figure; and
- surgical oncology from January–July is at 72% of the 2019 figure.
These figures do not include private hospital activity used to alleviate pressure on cancer services, so the overall figures are higher. Also, the ransomware attack on the health services in May impacted on mid-Summer throughput, particularly in regard to radiation oncology.
As part of Budget 2021, an extra €20m was allocated for the continued implementation of the National Cancer Strategy this year. Additional funding of €12m was also allocated this year for the restoration of cancer services to 95% of 2019 (pre-Covid) levels. This funding is being used to support hospitals in addressing backlogs, to extend clinic times, to provide additional clinics, to increase diagnostic capacity and to provide locum/temporary support.
I have now secured a further €20m in Budget 2022 to progress the delivery of the National Cancer Strategy and this will have a significant impact on access to cancer diagnostics, treatment and support to patients across their cancer journey.
898. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which endoscopy facilities are sufficiently and readily available to ensure the minimisation of waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51266/21]
View answerIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last nineteen months as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently as a result of the ransomware attack. While significant progress was made in reducing waiting times from June 2020 onwards, the surge in Covid-19 cases in the first quarter of 2021 and the associated curtailment of acute hospital services, coupled with the ransomware attack of May 2021, has impacted waiting times.
My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) are focusing on improving access to elective care in order to reduce waiting times for patients. These plans include increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services where minor procedures are provided at the same time as outpatient consultations, providing virtual clinics and increasing capacity in the public hospital system.
On the 7th October I published the Acute Waiting List Action Plan. This plan, to run until December 2021, has a series of targeted measures that are designed to address the growth in waiting lists caused by Covid-19 and the cyber-attack.
In addition, my Department, the HSE and the NTPF are also working on a Multi Annual Waiting List Plan to bring waiting lists in line with Sláintecare targets over the coming years. This process will be overseen by a Ministerial Taskforce, chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and includes representatives from the HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund. The plan will be informed by the lessons learned from the successful Vaccine Taskforce.
For 2022 an additional allocation of €250 million, comprised of €200 million to the HSE and €50 million to the National Treatment Purchase Fund has been provided in respect of work to reduce hospital and community waiting lists. The €250 million will be used to fund additional activity in both the public and private sectors. The €50 million additional funding provided to the NTPF brings its total allocation for 2022 to €150 million, and as a consequence there will be a budget of €350 million available to support vital initiatives to improve access to acute hospitals and community health services.
In relation to the particular query raised, concerning the extent to which endoscopy facilities are sufficiently and readily available to ensure the minimisation of waiting lists as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
899. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which his Department has identified the most sensitive and pressing hospital waiting lists; if his Department has identified a specific period within which to deal with all such patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51267/21]
View answerIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last nineteen months as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently as a result of the ransomware attack. While significant progress was made in reducing waiting times from June 2020 onwards, the surge in Covid-19 cases in the first quarter of 2021 and the associated curtailment of acute hospital services, coupled with the ransomware attack of May 2021, has impacted waiting times.
My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) are focusing on improving access to elective care in order to reduce waiting times for patients. These plans include increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services where minor procedures are provided at the same time as outpatient consultations, providing virtual clinics and increasing capacity in the public hospital system.
On the 7th October I published the Acute Waiting List Action Plan. This plan, to run until December 2021, has a series of targeted measures that are designed to address the growth in waiting lists caused by Covid-19 and the cyber-attack.
In addition, my Department, the HSE and the NTPF are also working on a Multi Annual Waiting List Plan to bring waiting lists in line with Sláintecare targets over the coming years. This process will be overseen by a Ministerial Taskforce, chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and includes representatives from the HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund. The plan will be informed by the lessons learned from the successful Vaccine Taskforce.
For 2022 an additional allocation of €250 million, comprised of €200 million to the HSE and €50 million to the National Treatment Purchase Fund has been provided in respect of work to reduce hospital and community waiting lists. The €250 million will be used to fund additional activity in both the public and private sectors. The €50 million additional funding provided to the NTPF brings its total allocation for 2022 to €150 million, and as a consequence there will be a budget of €350 million available to support vital initiatives to improve access to acute hospitals and community health services.
900. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the proposed extension of facilities and buildings at Naas General Hospital; the extent to which the plans are in place or envisaged in order to alleviate the pressure in the short to medium-term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51268/21]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
901. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of primary care centres fully operational in County Kildare; the extent to which further centres are anticipated or planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51269/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
902. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the network of primary care centres throughout Ireland is being used to ease the pressure on hospital accident and emergency services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51270/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
903. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in respect of the national children’s hospital including the facilities at Connolly and Tallaght; the extent to which the status of the projects are in line with expectation in terms of capacity and progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51271/21]
View answerThe New Children’s Hospital Project, comprising the main hospital at St James’s campus in Dublin, and two paediatric outpatient and urgent care centres at Connolly and Tallaght hospitals, is a Government priority.
A major milestone was reached in July 2019, when the Urgent Care Centre at the Connolly Hospital campus opened, providing a new model of ambulatory care for children.
This investment has already seen tangible improvements in services. Waiting lists for general paediatrics significantly reduced within one year of opening. The value of new and modern infrastructure in the context of service delivery during a pandemic was demonstrated at “CHI at Connolly”. The building layout at the new facility supported delivery of safe services and, even when busy, allowed for seamless patient flow.
From 4 January to 27 August 2021, there were 9,248 outpatient attendances at CHI at Connolly, up around 50% on the same period in 2020. Urgent care activity is also increasing. From 4 January to 3 September 2021, 6,077 children presented for urgent care. 96% of these were discharged home after their visit.
The second paediatric Outpatient and Urgent Care Centre at Tallaght Hospital reached substantial completion on the 9th September 2021, in line with the contractor’s schedule, and has been handed over to Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) for operational commissioning. It is expected to be open in November 2021.
The opening of the second of the three new campuses, the Paediatric Outpatient and Urgent Care Centre, “CHI at Tallaght” will be another important milestone in the NCH programme and in the delivery of children’s health services. It will provide further modern facilities to support primary and community paediatrics, will also support infection prevention and control, and improve patient pathways.
Together with the Urgent Care Centre at Connolly these new facilities will improve access to urgent care for a significant number of children.
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has the statutory responsibility and resources to plan, design, build, furnish and equip the new children’s hospital and continues to engage with the main contractor and reviews the contractor’s programme of works on a regular basis.
Like many other sectors of the economy, the construction sector has been severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and progress on the main building at St James’s campus was delayed. In addition, the sector is challenged by Brexit and global supply chain issues, but the NPHDB and contractors are working hard to mitigate those risks.
Despite delays, work on the new children’s hospital building at St James’s is progressing well and the building is taking shape. The infill concrete slabs over the steelwork frame, closing in the concourse is now complete. The hospital will be essentially weathertight by end of the year. The fit out of certain internal areas is continuing, with discernible rooms and clinical areas taking shape.
904. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which women’s health specifically remains central to the provision and delivery of a reliable level and quality of health services in all areas throughout Ireland without exception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51272/21]
View answerImproving women’s health outcomes is a key priority for me and this Government. We made a strong commitment to Promoting Women’s Health in the Programme for Government and are fully committed to the development and improvement of Women’s Health services and to working with women and girls to improve their health across the whole life cycle.
This commitment has been reflected within Budget 2022, in the allocation of €31 million for new development funding to specifically support women’s health.
Budget 2022 will:
-Invest almost €9 million additional funding to ensure continued implementation of the National Maternity Strategy into 2022 and beyond, building on the significant investment in 2021
-Continue improvements in our gynaecology services by establishing a further 6 ambulatory gynaecology "see and treat" clinics, bringing the total to 20 clinics nationally
-Invest almost €9 million to fund access to contraception for women aged 17-25
-Support further developments in menopause care by increasing the number of specialist menopause clinics from 1 clinic to 4 clinics nationally
-Increase investment in sexual assault treatment units
-Invest in tackling period poverty for the first time
-Build on initiatives started in 2021, by further expanding specialist endometriosis services for more complex cases across two centres
-Invest an additional €5 million into the Women’s Health Fund to fund innovative new approaches to women’s health services nationwide
In addition, a further €16m in other measures to support women's health is embedded within other new measures for 2022 within the Health Vote in areas such as cancer, mental health and social inclusion budgets, bringing the overall investment in women's health to €47m in additional funding provided for 2022.
Underscoring the government’s commitment to Women’s Health has been the establishment of a Women’s Health Taskforce in September 2019 to improve both health outcomes and experiences of healthcare for women and girls. The members of the Taskforce meet regularly, with its fourteenth meeting held last month.
The Women’s Health Fund, a dedicated fund managed by the Women's Health Taskforce, will support the delivery of the women’s health action plan, anticipated to be brought to government later this year. Informed by the available evidence and engagement with women across the country, key stakeholders, clinicians, and advocates for women’s health, the action plan will outline measures needed to tackle a wide range of issues impacting women’s health in outcomes in Ireland.
Women’s health will continue to be a priority for me and this government.
905. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which children’s health issues have continued to receive appropriate attention throughout the Covid-19 pandemic; if particular or specific action is required to address any issues arising or any backlog which has occurred as a result of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51273/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
906. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the ongoing efforts underway to enhance the quality and scale of community and institutional mental health services with particular reference to the need to achieve quality of service in line with the requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51274/21]
View answerAll aspects of mental health services are being improved and developed, through implementation of our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision in the short to longer term.
Sharing the Vision aims to enhance the provision of mental health services and supports across a broad continuum, from mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention to acute and specialist mental health service delivery, during the period 2020-2030.
A whole-of-government National Implementation Monitoring Committee (NIMC) was established in December 2020 to oversee the implementation of the recommendations in the policy and to monitor progress. The NIMC is made up of the NIMC Steering Committee, which will be supported by a NIMC Reference Group of Service Users and Families and NIMC Specialist Groups.
The NIMC Steering Committee, independently chaired by Mr John Saunders, is driving the implementation of Sharing the Vision, ensuring that appropriate monitoring and oversight processes are in place. The Steering Committee is meeting regularly and progressing the establishment of specialist groups, and implementation monitoring processes. The HSE has primary responsibility for the implementation of the majority of the Sharing the Vision recommendations. To that end, the HSE Implementation Group (HIG), which reports to the NIMC Steering Committee, was established in May 2021 and its work is progressing. Currently the NIMC Steering Committee and the HIG are working together to develop an Implementation Plan (2022-2024) and associated enhanced implementation reporting processes.
The NIMC Steering Committee has additionally established Specialist Groups in priority areas of development including CAMHS, Acute Inpatient Bed Capacity development and also in Women’s Mental Health. Other specialist groups may be established as appropriate, in a structured and strategic manner in line with implementation priorities.
Additionally, the Steering Committee is seeking to progress the establishment of the Reference Group of Service Users and Families. To this end, an appropriate selection process is in progress to select a suitable agency to host this group on behalf of the NIMC.
There is work ongoing across Government that aligns to the recommendations of Sharing the Vision. I am satisfied that the Committee is progressing well in this initial stage of its work, by building on the following initiatives already underway:
- Many significant recent developments in online mental health service provision and positive mental health promotion have been expedited in response to the ongoing pandemic. These initiatives exemplify the holistic, whole-of-population approach to mental health service development that Sharing the Vision promotes and seeks to advance, in parallel with the development of specialist supports.
- Sharing the Vision recommends the continued phased implementation and evaluation of existing national clinical programmes in mental health, including Dual Diagnosis, Early Intervention in Psychosis, and Eating Disorders. The clinical programmes, which are in various stages of design and implementation, are at the heart of service improvement.
- Sharing the Vision additionally recommends that, in keeping with the evolving understanding of human rights to empower people and improve quality of care in mental healthcare facilities, legislation must be updated and additional supports put in place. This is currently being addressed in the review of the Mental Health Act, 2001, which was completed, and a General Scheme approved by Government on 13 July 2021. Following the Government decision to approve the heads of bill, a formal Bill will be drafted by the Office of the Attorney General, in consultation with the Department of Health.
Additionally, on 14 October, 2021, the Government and I announced another record funding plan, with further increases in the mental health budget for 2022.
A total of €1.149 billion has been allocated to mental health in Budget 2022. This is an additional €47 million for next year and comprises €24 million for new developments, €13 million for existing levels of service and €10 million in once off funding for COVID-19.
The additional investment provided for in Budget 2022 will ensure the continued development of mental health services, including out of hours supports, child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and the national clinical mental health programmes. An additional €1.15 million will be allocated to the Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders to continue the roll out of specialist eating disorder teams in CHOs 1, 3, 5 and 6. New mental health services for older people will be developed, in line with the model of care for specialist mental health services for older people and will be piloted next year. Two new CAMHS telehubs will be funded under Budget 2022 and funding will also be allocated to enhance the capacity of CAMHS teams across the country. Crisis resolution teams will continue to be developed with an allocated budget of over €1.4 million in 2022.
An additional €10 million has been announced this week, as a once off funding measure to provide further investment in mental health services in 2021, with a particular emphasis on community and voluntary based supports.
907. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health when dental services under anaesthesia at Wexford General Hospital will revert to pre Covid-19 levels of two service days a week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51283/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
908. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health the current wait list for persons under 18 years of age awaiting orthodontic treatment in County Wexford; the breakdown of the numbers of persons waiting 24, 36 and 48 months and longer, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51284/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
909. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of leg supports for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51286/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
910. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the way information is gathered on the number of persons diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder; if the numbers of persons diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder are collated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51315/21]
View answer911. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health her plans to establish a specific autism register in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51316/21]
View answer912. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health his plans to establish public assessment teams dedicated to adult diagnoses of autistic spectrum disorders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51317/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 910, 911 and 912 together.
As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
913. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the Progressing Disability Services for Children & Young People and local Implementation groups that are overseeing the provision of services regionally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51318/21]
View answer914. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of children’s disability network teams that have been established nationwide; when it is envisaged there will be full national cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51319/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 913 and 914 together.
As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
915. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the most reliable autism diagnosis data health services use; the number of adults and children that have received a diagnosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51320/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
